Premature Padma Turns Saif Giddy!

The feeling is sinking in. And Saif Ali Khan unabashedly admits that it's a giddy high, especially when he's won the Padma Shri alongside the likes of the enigmatic diva Rekha!

"My understanding is that such a distinguished honour is reserved for more senior actors," he states in a media chat. "I've barely been around in comparison to Rekhaji. We're definitely not in the same league and so I'm deeply humbled at this recognition."

When Khan romped home with the 'Best Actor' National award (2005) for 'Hum Tum,' there were insinuations that mom Sharmila Tagore had used her clout as Censor Board Chairman to fetch him the coveted honour. Khan, however, remains unfazed.

"When I won the National award many felt that I didn't deserve it," he says. "Though I do feel that the Padma Shri is a bit premature, I hope I can prove it to them too in the future that I deserve it."